The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and Nestlé Philippines are ramping up a joint initiative to upskill Filipino coffee farmers, aiming to boost productivity, enhance bean quality, and create more sustainable livelihoods in rural communities.
The expanded collaboration, under the NESCAFÉ Plan, focuses on targeted training programs that cover modern farming techniques, post-harvest handling, and quality control. These are complemented by improved access to technology, as well as stronger logistics and distribution systems designed to support farmers from cultivation to market.
The program also provides assistance in key areas such as fertilizer use and coffee processing, while promoting closer coordination among government agencies, private sector partners, and local communities to reinforce the country’s coffee value chain.
Beyond coffee farming, TESDA and Nestlé are exploring broader areas of cooperation. These include entrepreneurship training for sari-sari store owners, the rollout of green technical-vocational education and training (TVET) programs, expanded digital learning through e-TESDA, and more community-based courses delivered in partnership with local government units.
TESDA Secretary Kiko Benitez emphasized the central role of skills development across the coffee production cycle. He noted that strengthening competencies—from farm-level practices to final preparation—can add greater value to every cup while improving outcomes for farmers.
Nestlé Philippines senior vice president and head of Corporate Affairs Joey Uy III said the partnership is geared toward strengthening farming practices and building long-term resilience in coffee-growing communities through a mix of training and on-the-ground support.
Both TESDA and Nestlé reaffirmed their commitment to empowering smallholder farmers and advancing a more resilient Philippine coffee industry—from farm to cup.
